On a positive note, the Law on Sedition was abolished through a constitutional ruling. The victory was the result of a petition that media organizations filed in the Constitutional Court, challenging the legality of the law.

UGANDA

410 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2010 INTRODUCTION OVERALL SCORE: 2.43 UGANDA Freedom of the press and of speech in Uganda suffered a setback in 2010, in the lead-up to the 2011 general presidential, parliamentary, and local governmental elections. Most seriously, two journalists died under mysterious circumstances. Paul Kiggundu, a correspondent with TOP radio and television, was killed on FSeptember 11, 2010; and Dickson Ssentongo, a correspondent with Prime Radio, was killed on September 13, 2010. Many other media members have been beaten and arrested and some tortured by security personnel, including the police.

Furthermore, the government closed five radio stations, allegedly for inciting violence in which people lost lives and property. These radio stations, namely Akaboozi ku bbiri (Radio II), Radio Sapiencia for the Catholic Church, Suubi FM, and two CBS radio stations restarted eventually, but the last took more than a year to reopen. On government orders, some radio presenters and shows were suspended indefinitely as a condition of re-opening.

Political activists, including some opposition members of parliament, were prevented from organizing public rallies. Activists with constituencies in the capital and urban areas especially were targeted. The government continued using riot police and other security operatives to disperse peaceful opposition political rallies, on grounds that the rallies were illegal and not authorized by the police Inspector General.

The government also continued threats to pass new, tougher media laws and amend the existing laws; however, media trade associations managed to counter the threats by mobilizing all stakeholders to resist moves likely to result in new laws. “Because of the united pressure we have applied, government is shying away from plans for new media laws to restrict press freedom. The process has stalled at the cabinet level,” noted Muwanga Kakooza, a parliamentary reporter with Group, the leading media house in Uganda.

On a positive note, the Law on Sedition was abolished through a constitutional ruling. The victory was the result of a petition that media organizations filed in the Uganda Constitutional Court, challenging the legality of the law. Along with this achievement, a number of government cases filed against journalists and politicians have been thrown out. However, some laws remain that prohibit the freedom of speech and press, and the media community continues its struggle to have them abolished. All the above contradicts the nation’s constitution, which clearly has provisions that guarantee both press freedom and freedom of speech.

Despite this environment, Uganda’s media show signs of growth and strength, with some media houses expanding into new platforms, while others make new investments in the industry. Insults, accusations, and attacks on the media from politicians and others are the order of the day, but the hostility has not stopped the media from playing their roles as watchdogs exposing wrongdoing.

UGANDA 411 UGANDA AT A GLANCE

GENERAL MEDIA-SPECIFIC

> Population: 35,873,253 (2011 est., CIA World Factbook) > Number of active print outlets, radio stations, television stations: Print: 4 daily newspapers, 5 weekly newspapers, several magazines; > Capital city: Radio Stations: 165; Television Stations: 45 > Ethnic groups (% of population): Baganda 16.9%, Banyakole 9.5%, > Newspaper circulation statistics: Top three by circulation: The New Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%, Iteso 6.4%, Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Vision (60% state-owned, 40% public share holders; 35,000 circulation); Bagisu 4.6%, Lugbara 4.2%, Bunyoro 2.7%, other 29.6% (2002 census, The Monitor (privately owned, 27,000 circulation); (60% CIA World Factbook) state-owned, 40% public share holders) > Religions (% of population): Roman Catholic 41.9%, Protestant > Broadcast ratings: Top three radio stations: Central Broadcasting Service 42%, Muslim 12.1%, other 3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census, CIA FM (private), Simba FM (private) and Bukedde FM (60% state-owned, World Factbook) 40% share holders) > Languages (% of population): English (official national language), > News agencies: Uganda Radio Network (private), Ultimate Media Ganda or (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages), (private) other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic (CIA World Factbook) > Annual advertising revenue in media sector: $10 million (2007) > GNI (2010-Atlas): $16.55 billion (World Bank Development > Internet usage: 3.2 million (2009 est., CIA World Factbook) Indicators, 2011) > GNI per capita (2010-PPP): $1,230 (World Bank Development Indicators, 2011) > Literacy rate: 66.8% (male 76.8%, female 57.7%) (2002 census, CIA World Factbook) > President or top authority: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (since January 26, 1986)

Unsustainable, Anti-Free Press (0-1): Country does not meet or only minimally meets objectives. Government and laws actively hinder free media development, professionalism is low, and media-industry activity is minimal. MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX: UGANDA Unsustainable Mixed System (1-2): Country minimally meets objectives, with segments of the legal system and government opposed to a free media system. Evident progress in free-press advocacy, increased professionalism, and new media businesses may be too recent to judge sustainability.

Near Sustainability (2-3): Country has

NEAR progressed in meeting multiple objectives, 2.77 2.67 2.66

2.62 with legal norms, professionalism, and 2.58 2.58 2.57 2.56 SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABLE 2.49 the business environment supportive of 2.36 2.35 2.31 2.28 2.27 2.27 2.26 2.25

2.20 independent media. Advances have survived 2.12 changes in government and have been 1.91 codified in law and practice. However, more SUSTAINABILITY time may be needed to ensure that change is MIXED SYSTEM UNSUSTAINABLE enduring and that increased professionalism and the media business environment are sustainable.

Sustainable (3-4): Country has media that

UNSUSTAINABLE are considered generally professional, free, ANTI-FREE PRESS 2006-07 2008 2009 2010 2006-07 2008 2009 2010 2006-07 2008 2009 2010 2006-07 2008 2009 2010 2006-07 2008 2009 2010 and sustainable, or to be approaching these FREE PROFESSIONAL PLURALITY OF BUSINESS SUPPORTING SPEECH JOURNALISM NEWS SOURCES MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS objectives. Systems supporting independent media have survived multiple governments, OBJECTIVES economic fluctuations, and changes in public opinion or social conventions.

412 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2010 OBJECTIVE 1: FREEDOM OF SPEECH redress in the courts, and most are vindicated, as the judiciary acts independently when handling such cases. Uganda Objective Score: 2.27 The panelists were split on the impartiality of the broadcast licensing process. Applications are handled by two bodies, Uganda has constitutional provisions that guarantee the Uganda Broadcasting Council (UBC) and the Uganda freedom of speech and of the press, and they are aligned Communications Commission (UCC). Some panelists claimed with international standards for human rights and freedom that the licensing process is considered fair and clear, but of expression. However, these solid provisions stand in UBC and UCC members are appointed by the minister for contradiction to other laws that Uganda’s security organs rely information; thus, their independence is questionable. upon to deny citizens their rights to free speech. The panelists Some panelists said that they have heard of the two bodies mentioned several such laws, including the Law on Sedition, delaying application approval. This stands in contrast to the Anti-terrorism Act, and the Police Act, which prohibits applications from politicians, according to other panelists. any Ugandan from holding a rally or public meeting without Members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) permission from the Inspector General of police. party especially often are approved quickly. Almost every member of parliament has an FM radio station in his or However, in August 2010, Uganda’s media praised the her constituency. constitutional court’s declaration that the Law on Sedition, part of the penal code, is unconstitutional. Under this law, “All the five radio stations that were closed this year were journalists could be accused of inciting hatred against the closed by the broadcasting council on government orders— country’s president, government, or the judiciary.1 clear proof that it’s not independent,” contended Jane Nakyondwa, a senior journalist with Mama FM community Freedom of speech violations are very common. As Ugandans radio station in Kisasi Town. value that freedom, arrests and police summonses have raised public outcries and attracted the condemnation of local and Media entry into the market is easy and there are no international human rights groups. Those violated can seek restrictions, provided that the applicant pays the required registration taxes. The panelists noted that the government has abolished the tax holiday that it gave to new big 1 Clottey, Peter. “Uganda’s Media Hail Court Ruling Sedition Law investors. Interestingly, however, at the beginning of the Unconstitutional.” Voice of America: August 25, 2010. Available at: 2010-2011 fiscal year, the minister of finance abolished taxes http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ugandan-Media-Hail- Court-Ruling-Sedition-Law-Unconstitutional-101523789.html (Accessed on digital video and still cameras, and removed taxes on new October 25, 2010.) computers—seen as a boost to the media industry.

LEGAL AND SOCIAL NORMS PROTECT AND PROMOTE With the murders of Kiggundu and Ssentongo underscoring FREE SPEECH AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC INFORMATION. the seriousness of the dangers that journalists face, the FREE-SPEECH INDICATORS: panelists said that crimes against journalists and media are still quite common—and those that security personnel commit > Legal and social protections of free speech exist and are enforced. are rarely punished. More than 30 journalists were battered > Licensing of broadcast media is fair, competitive, and apolitical. and harassed during the year. Most cases were well publicized > Market entry and tax structure for media are fair and in local and international media, the panelists noted. They comparable to other industries. added that the major worry is the growing portion of public > Crimes against journalists or media outlets are prosecuted that is elated when journalists are in trouble. However, vigorously, but occurrences of such crimes are rare. of late, the government has taken measures to arrest and

> State or public media do not receive preferential legal treatment, prosecute those who attack journalists. and law guarantees editorial independence. The public media are supposed to be editorially independent, > Libel is a civil law issue; public officials are held to higher but in practice, that is not the case. Although the media standards, and offended parties must prove falsity and malice. laws are consistent, state/public media are favored in various > Public information is easily accessible; right of access to respects, including the right to information. Government information is equally enforced for all media and journalists. influence is omnipresent, ensuring positive coverage and > Media outlets have unrestricted access to information; this is an outlet for propaganda. The panelists noted that this equally enforced for all media and journalists. situation always holds true for electronic media but is slightly > Entry into the journalism profession is free, and government different in print, where stories critical of the government imposes no licensing, restrictions, or special rights for journalists. get published sometimes. All top editors and managers of

UGANDA 413 the state/public media are appointed by the minister of Ugandan journalists are free to organize. The country has information—who, in turn, is a political appointee. more than 20 professional associations, but few operate at a national level. Although the constitutional court struck down as unconstitutional the libel laws related to the media’s government coverage, criminal libel laws remain on the OBJECTIVE 2: PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM books. Libel is punishable with both civil and criminal Uganda Objective Score: 2.20 penalties. A journalist found guilty will go to prison, and the aggrieved party can seek civil damages. However, as noted in past MSI studies, journalists rarely are imprisoned for libel, The panelists agreed they have seen some improvement in part because of the relative independence of the judiciary. in the way that journalists source and report their stories, The panelists said that there have been no cases of corruption and they traced the changes directly to training efforts by by judges or prosecutors in cases of libel. In addition, the professional associations and certain media houses. Despite courts have seen no cases holding Internet service providers this improvement, the panelists said, a few journalists still or web hosting companies responsible for the content posted work outside professional standards, writing one-sided stories by independent individuals. without proper concern for factual accuracy. The panelists

Access to public information changed little from 2009. Despite attributed this to factors ranging from financial constraints to Uganda’s access to information law—a rarity in Africa—those poor training and outright laziness. charged with the responsibility are reluctant to talk to the “Those who do their work in an ethical manner talk to all the media. The panelists noted that the constitution has a full parties, consult experts, and also carry out some background article (Article 41) that guarantees easy access to public research,” noted one panelist. “Many others don’t.” information. Parliament also passed a law along the same lines; however, it remains a law on paper, not in practice. A code of ethics is still in place, and it is in line with international standards and recognized widely by the Most journalists have methods to obtain public information, Ugandan media. However, the panelists noted that the but it is difficult and time-consuming, so they tend to give up. number of journalists violating this code has risen. As one Journalist associations have engaged lawyers to address the panelist reported, “Many journalists have been caught problem, panelists noted. red-handed taking bribes from news sources to kill stories.

The government imposes no restrictions or registration Some journalists blackmail government officials and powerful requirements on access to the Internet, satellite, or other business personalities and demand exorbitant sums of money, media platforms. Access to international news and news promising to block bad stories in exchange.” sources is free, and many journalists use the Internet to find information, noted the panelists. Many foreign publications are imported without restriction, for those who can afford them. Some media lift stories directly from foreign JOURNALISM MEETS PROFESSIONAL publications and the Internet, while some radio stations are STANDARDS OF QUALITY. linked to foreign outlets. They air their programs live without PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM INDICATORS: government interference. > Reporting is fair, objective, and well sourced. The situation for entry into the profession and schools of journalism has changed little. There remains no official > Journalists follow recognized and accepted ethical standards. restriction on entering the profession. However, the existing > Journalists and editors do not practice self-censorship. media law (the Press and Journalists Statute of 1995) > Journalists cover key events and issues. mandates academic standards for those wishing to join the > Pay levels for journalists and other media professionals are profession. To qualify, one must have a diploma and be sufficiently high to discourage corruption. enrolled with the National Institute of Journalists of Uganda (NIJU), a body established by government to control the > Entertainment programming does not eclipse news and information programming. media via an annual license process. Though on the books, this law is not enforced. The panel noted that expected > Technical facilities and equipment for gathering, producing, and distributing news are modern and efficient. amendments to the press law have stalled, and the hopes that a professional journalists’ association would replace NIJU > Quality niche reporting and programming exists (investigative, have not materialized. economics/business, local, political).

414 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2010 While this concern cuts across all media, some media houses The panelists underscored marked improvement this year in and associations have come out strongly against bribery the facilities and equipment used for gathering, producing, habits, exposing those involved. and distributing news in Uganda, positively impacting the quality of content. Some of the big media houses have Self-censorship is apparent at different levels of the invested heavily in equipment. Others have made loans media. The panelists said that some journalists engage to journalists, including freelancers, to buy modern gear. in self-censorship to protect their jobs, while others seek Panelists noted, however, that there is a great need to help financial gain. Others are simply adhering to the policies of freelance journalists who cannot afford the equipment vital their media house, some fear for their lives, and others simply to their jobs. The greatest needs are for news gathering want to get ahead in the profession. equipment (audio digital recorders and digital video The media cover most of the key events in the country cameras), photography equipment (digital still cameras), and without incident, but there are certain events that the media computers. Most assistance is best channeled through the must have clearance to cover. They include presidential Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), the panelists concurred. functions, all major conferences at which foreign visitors are Specialized reporting is growing in Uganda, and some expected, matters of the first family, and certain issues related media houses are investing in training reporters. Even some to security. Some of these issues could result in court or jail professional associations, such as UJA, UJU, and other small time for a journalist that does not report carefully. associations, have encouraged members to seek specialized Journalists remain among the most poorly paid professionals training. “What is lacking are the funds,” said one of the in the country, and the panelists expressed the belief that this leaders of these associations. “If we get funding, we are promotes corruption within the media sector. The panelists willing and ready to continue with specialized training of underlined the trend described previously, in which some our members.” journalists and their editors accept payment to cover or kill The panelists said that unlike the electronic media, print specific stories. media have tried offering training in investigative reporting, In another negative effect of poor pay, some senior journalists and they would welcome any assistance through UJA or other are being driven to join other sectors with better pay and to associations to further such efforts. abandon the journalism profession, to its detriment.

In some big media houses, editors earn as much as $5,000 per OBJECTIVE 3: PLURALITY OF NEWS month, while reporters are paid as little as $200 per month. Uganda Objective Score: 2.58 Freelancers are particularly vulnerable—a problem noted in last year’s MSI. At some media houses, especially FM radio stations, freelancers go unpaid for months, noted one of Multiple news sources in Uganda provide citizens with news the trade union leaders. The Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) and information, allowing consumers to compare among the formed specifically to address this problem, but it has yet to different sources. The sources include traditional platforms sign a single collective bargaining agreement for its members. such as radio, television, newspapers, and magazines and Last year’s MSI panelists suggested conducting a survey on have expanded into the Internet, blogs, and SMS messaging. working conditions for journalists, and especially freelancers, to begin searching for a solution to this problem. The media are concentrated mainly in cities and urban centers, but politicians have opened a reasonable number of The panel noted that entertainment claims the lion’s share FM stations in their rural constituency areas. Today, Uganda of programming hours in electronic media, while news boasts more than 150 registered FM stations in operation and and information is more prominent in print. As for radio, more 30 publications, among them six daily government and the panelists said that the more music a station plays, the private newspapers. The media sector has seen an increase in more listeners it draws (especially among young people), television stations and television pay channels. and the higher listenership means more business for the station. The panelists agreed that at most FM radio stations, In urban areas, people have access to the Internet and its entertainment takes about 85 percent of airtime, while blogs, SMS alerts, Twitter, and Facebook. In contrast, rural information and news take the remaining 15 percent. residents still depend heavily on radio and, for those who can In print, entertainment and advertisements fill about 40 afford them, newspapers. A few community radio stations in percent of the space, and the remaining 60 percent is news rural areas provide news and information, but according to and information. some on the panel, their sustainability is a major challenge.

UGANDA 415 In some villages, people erect loudspeakers to share Uganda has only one local independent news agency: Uganda announcements and information useful to the community. Radio Network (URN). However, the panelists said that most information on URN is similar to that offered by media The panelists agreed that citizens are not restricted from houses. URN sells most of its print, audio, and video stories accessing domestic or international media, and Uganda to small media houses that cannot afford to post their own imports many foreign publications. Citizens are free to listen correspondents in every part of the country. Media houses of to foreign radio stations as well. However, the panelists all sizes depend on international news agencies such as AP, pointed out that people living in cities and urban centers AFP, and Reuters for news and information. Many also use have more access to media sources than their counterparts news websites at no cost, but do credit the sites as sources. in rural areas and smaller towns. Although sources like the Internet and print media are expensive for people living in The panelists noted that today, most private broadcast media villages, costs for foreign publications and Internet access produce many of their news and information programs are going down, thanks to government efforts, concluded locally—and the content is far superior to state/public the panelists. media productions. State/public media concentrate heavily on government news, while private media target audience Although public media are not fully independent of the interests and include information and news provided by state or the ruling party, the programming they air reflects government sources. The same applies to community media a relative independence, according to the panelists. “Of and bloggers, despite the fact that many lift stories already late, we have seen and heard many opposition politicians carried by big media houses. As for television, most stations on public television and radio, discussing their personal are now relying on locally produced programs to a greater opinions on different issues without any interference from extent than before. Their viewers prefer them to the foreign government. At times, they are hosted in the studios with shows, the panelists noted. officials from the ruling party, and we think this is a positive development,” panelists noted. Media ownership transparency is not a problem in Uganda; interested citizens are able to learn who owns a given outlet. Despite all the positive developments, state/public electronic However, there is no regulation guaranteeing disclosure media are still dominated by government programs and of ownership. Panelists noted that many FM radio stations are propaganda. To an extent, they make up the gap with owned by politicians, who openly use them to solicit votes or commercial broadcasters through educational and cultural promote programs of personal interest. programming. As for state print media, all publications cover every side—opposition and ruling party views—fairly. Panelists noted that Vision Media Group has made a major investment in the media. The group is owned partly by MULTIPLE NEWS SOURCES PROVIDE CITIZENS government and partly by individual private shareholders, at WITH RELIABLE AND OBJECTIVE NEWS. a ratio of 55 percent to 45 percent, respectively. This company has expanded into television, adding two stations this year, PLURALITY OF NEWS SOURCES INDICATORS: and now has five FM stations based in Kampala and all the > A plurality of affordable public and private news sources (e.g., regions. These seven outlets are in addition to the group’s print, broadcast, Internet) exists. five newspapers, several magazines, and an SMS platform. > Citizens’ access to domestic or international media is not Vision Media Group’s investment has proven beneficial to the restricted. media industry, panelists said, especially in terms of helping > State or public media reflect the views of the entire political many journalists secure employment. spectrum, are nonpartisan, and serve the public interest. The panelists noted that the media cover social issues to a > Independent news agencies gather and distribute news for print reasonable extent without restriction from the government, and broadcast media. but some issues (such as homosexuality) are still neglected or > Independent broadcast media produce their own news programs. covered with a negative bias. > Transparency of media ownership allows consumers to judge objectivity of news; media ownership is not concentrated in a The panelists said that during 2010, they saw a lot of few conglomerates. expansion of the media into multiple parts of the country. The growth has enabled outlets to cover smaller cross-sections > A broad spectrum of social interests are reflected and represented in the media, including minority-language of people, including minority languages. information sources.

416 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2010 OBJECTIVE 4: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT cover all expenses. As a result, they are allowed to make money through other sources common to the private media. Uganda Objective Score: 2.49 Advertising is well developed in the country, with several local and international firms based in the capital and big towns, The panelists noted that public and private media alike noted the panelists. Several companies, especially mobile operate as profit-generating businesses and generally are phone networks and those in the brewing business, use print run in an efficient manner. Business plans are in place and and electronic media regularly to advertise their products and followed. Even the state broadcast media have improved services. The advertising firms enjoy considerable business in their management, generating revenue to supplement what billboards and signposts, too. they receive from government and to respond to the stiff The panelists noted that, while some media houses work competition from private media. with advertising firms, others have established fully-fledged Smaller media houses, though, are not run professionally, as departments on their own to solicit and produce advertising. the owners cannot afford to hire skilled staff in management, The private media, big and small, employ professionals and accounting, or human resources. These companies end up skilled salespeople that look for advertisers, design ads, and employing unskilled people or family members, who run the produce jingles for commercials on electronic media. These businesses into bankruptcy. have become a major source of revenue.

As for community media, the panelists noted that they are Regarding the percentage of advertising and content, run efficiently, but sustainability is a serious issue. Many of revenue shortages have forced media house managers to them are dependent on donor funding. press for more advertisements in their programs and pages, and this can crowd out news and information. Ads take up an Generally, media outlets receive revenue from multiple clients estimated 50 percent of broadcast programming time, and 40 and sources, but often these sources—especially advertisers— percent or more of pages in print media. have influence over the editorial policy, commented the panelists. The major sources of revenue are copy sales, Panelists confirmed that the government does not subsidize advertising, sponsored programs, donations, and commercial private media. It does advertise in some private media, but printing services. However, the global credit crunch has conditionally: only in outlets that give the government continued to affect income negatively in the media industry, positive coverage. There have been cases in which the even as expenses are rising. government withdrew ads from media houses that it considers critical. Discussing the benefits and disadvantages State/public media, the panelists noted, receive a fair amount of government subsidies for private media, the panelists of funding from the government, but it is not adequate to concluded that it might be good for private media, because some houses need external help. However, they added that INDEPENDENT MEDIA ARE WELL-MANAGED they would not expect the government to be fair about BUSINESSES, ALLOWING EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE. the process.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INDICATORS: Market research is available from a few media houses to

> Media outlets and supporting firms operate as efficient, evaluate sales, listenership, quality of programs, coverage, professional, and profit-generating businesses. and audience interest. Two companies (Audit Bureau of Circulation, based in South Africa; and Synovate) produce > Media receive revenue from a multitude of sources. circulation figures and broadcast ratings. Their findings are > Advertising agencies and related industries support an accessible easily for a fee. And yet, the panelists agreed advertising market. that some media houses have started challenging the survey > Advertising revenue as a percentage of total revenue is in line findings of the research companies. Clarity in these ratings with accepted standards at commercial outlets. is important, as some media houses claim to be the leading > Independent media do not receive government subsidies. newspapers or radio stations in the country, with obvious > Market research is used to formulate strategic plans, enhance implications for advertising revenue. advertising revenue, and tailor products to the needs and interests of audiences.

> Broadcast ratings and circulation figures are reliably and independently produced.

UGANDA 417 OBJECTIVE 5: SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS The panel noted that UJA’s effort to unite the small associations into a coalition is showing signs of success. To Uganda Objective Score: 2.62 date, the associations have a loose network, called Article 29, through which they share information and collaborate on media development programs. Uganda has four media owners’ associations, but only one is active: the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). Panelists pointed out that several NGOs operate in the country, The Uganda Newspaper Editors and Proprietors Association with some working with the media and some using the media (UNEPA), the Uganda Publishers’ Association, and the Editor’s to tap money from donors. NGOs active in Uganda include Forum fell dormant over the year, and membership is far from Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI), Foundation universal among media owners. for African Development, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Humana Rights Network Uganda, The panelists said that the major role of NAB is to lobby and Action for Development. Most of these organizations government for fair taxes for its members and a good concentrate on advocating for press freedom, funding legal environment for its businesses. Panelists said that NAB is not representation, supporting the media in legal reform efforts, involved in efforts to improve the working conditions of and offering research and training in human rights issues. journalists, nor with the reform of media laws. The panelists reported that about 25 of the 35 universities in The status of professional associations representing individual the country offer quality degree programs in journalism and media practitioners has not changed much from last year, mass communication. However, some universities are more according to the panel members. However, a few new theoretical than practical in their training. The graduates of associations have emerged, including UJA, which specializes these programs find it difficult to get employment at the in professional issues; UJU, a trade union; the Uganda Media media houses. In addition, media training institutions offer Women Association; the Parliamentary Press Association; the diploma courses in journalism. The quality of their courses Uganda Journalists Safety Committee, which handles press depends on the teachers and facilities available. freedom and media-rights issues; and national and other small associations for specific sectors such as sports, oil and Opportunities for training abroad are available, but limited. mining, environment, education, and health. Mainly they benefit journalists working with big media houses, which can afford such training. Many of those who train The panel noted that many of these organizations have overseas return to work for the media houses that sent them, actively defended journalists’ rights whenever threatened. but some return and run quickly to other sectors for better pay. Membership is determined by application and payment of membership dues, but these associations have seen a decline The panelists praised the short-term training programs that in membership, and non-payment of fees has been a major some media companies offer in house. Even people working challenge. Some have closed down. in non-journalism administrative, management, and sales jobs at media companies can obtain supplemental training in their fields, and the companies meet the cost. The most SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS FUNCTION IN THE popular courses for journalists are ethics and human rights, PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS OF INDEPENDENT MEDIA. but panelists noted the clear need for training in investigative reporting, specialization, and safety. SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS INDICATORS: Most newsprint and printing facilities remain in private hands > Trade associations represent the interests of private media owners and provide member services. and operate as profit-making businesses. The panelists agreed, however, that even when printing facilities are in the hands of > Professional associations work to protect journalists’ rights. the government, they offer services to private media without > NGOs support free speech and independent media. restrictions. The panelists said that high taxes on newsprint and > Quality journalism degree programs that provide substantial the VAT on advertising are big burdens on the media. practical experience exist. Media distribution channels, too, are in private hands and > Short-term training and in-service training programs allow are managed efficiently, said the panelists. But transmitters journalists to upgrade skills or acquire new skills. are controlled by the government, and authorities can switch > Sources of newsprint and printing facilities are in private hands, the transmitters off any time—and do, if disagreements arise apolitical, and unrestricted. between the government and a given media house. > Channels of media distribution (kiosks, transmitters, Internet) are private, apolitical, and unrestricted.

418 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2010 List of Panel Participants

Saulo Wokulira Ssebaggala, Jr., program coordinator, Human Rights Network for Journalists-Kampala City

Robert Mugagga, journalist, Observer, Kampala City

Jane Nakyondwa, senior journalist, Mama FM community radio station, Kisasi Town

Rose Kigongo, freelance journalist, Masaka Municipality

David Malinga Doya, senior writer, The East African, Entebbe Municipality

Diana Nalunkuma, lecturer, , Town

Isaac Ssenabulya, parliamentary correspondent, Top TV, Kampala City

Julian Amutuhairwe, reporter, KFM Radio station, Mbale Municipality

Mercy Nalugo, journalist, The ; treasurer, Uganda Journalists Union, Kampala City

Moses Kajangu, parliamentary reporter, Impact FM, Kampala City

The following panelist attended the panel discussion, but did not complete a questionnaire:

Dick Mvule, parliamentary reporter, Radio Simba; organizing secretary, Uganda Journalists Union, Kampala City

Moderator and Author

Muwanga Kakooza, senior political reporter, Vision Media Group, Kampala

Coordinator

Herbert Mukasa Lumansi, vice president, Uganda Journalists Association, Kampala

UGANDA 419